Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 is a three-row all-electric SUV aimed squarely at family buyers who want serious passenger capacity without a combustion engine. Positioned as Kia's flagship electric vehicle, it competes in the growing large electric SUV segment against established names. It is built for buyers who prioritize space, technology, and sustainability, and who expect modern safety standards to match that premium ambition.

The Kia EV9 earns a Best NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100 for the 2025 model year, placing it firmly in the Strong band. That is a respectable showing for a large three-row electric SUV, though the breakdown reveals some nuance worth noting. Side protection is the clear highlight, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, which reflects well on the EV9's structural integrity in lateral impacts. Frontal and rollover ratings each land at 4 out of 5 stars, which are solid but not perfect scores, and shoppers should factor that in when comparing across the segment. The recall count across the 2024 and 2025 model years stands at 9, which is a meaningful number for a nameplate this new. That volume suggests Kia's engineers are still working through early-production refinements, and buyers should verify that any open recalls have been addressed at the dealership before taking delivery. Owner complaints total 215 across covered years, including 2 alleged fire incidents and 4 alleged injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the fire reports are worth monitoring closely given the broader industry conversation around EV battery safety. No deaths are reported in this data set. Bottom line: the EV9's crash-test performance is genuinely strong, particularly on the side. The recall volume and complaint picture, however, suggest this is a model still maturing. Buyers should stay current on recall status and keep an eye on how the complaint trend develops.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Kia EV9 as an impressive and well-rounded large electric SUV, praising its spacious three-row interior, upscale feel, and strong technology integration. Most acknowledge it as a serious step forward for the Kia brand. Some reviewers note that, as a first-generation flagship EV, it is still finding its footing in certain areas, though overall impressions lean positive.